Q: After a total hip replacement, doctor ordered but then cancelled my PT. I have not had any, should I pursue this?
I received a total hip replacement in September of 2017. After my discharge my orthopedic doctor ordered a nurse and physical therapy.
After the initial PT visit, the doctor cancelled the PT, the nurse was confused and followed up with the doctors office and they told her it was being held off until my first follow up visit so the doctor can see the seats.
After the first follow up, he said he would wait until the next follow up. That's come and gone and he never mention it or ordered the PT.
It's now 3 months later with no PT and I still can't tie the one shoe, put on a sock, cut my nails, I still walk with a limp, ECT.
Is this worth pursuing with an attorney?
A:
I'd talk to the doctors assistant, explain that the doctor indicated you'd be getting PT but you haven't heard back and you wonder as you still have problems if you'll be getting PT or what.
Or make an appointment with your GP, explain what happened, ask if that's usual, and chances are they'll follow up.
It's early to follow up with a doctor as when and how much PT to prescribe is variable. Sounds like sloppy follow up but given the very significant costs of a medical negligence case, most attorneys don't take those that do not have clear negligence and very heavy damages, and the folks in Lansing are bent on making it ever tougher to bring a case.
Under no circumstances mention to any medstaff that you are even thinking of talking to a lawyer or all the sudden your next appointment will "have to be rescheduled" and "so sorry, the doctor is booked until June, perhaps you'd like a different practice." That's any doctor because next to a malpractice case they fear being "dragged into " one by an "overly litigious patient."
A few more months of trying to get follow up going, if nothing is happening contact a member of the Michigan Assn for Justice who handles medical cases in the area of the state you are in; they give free consultations.
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